Pharma POOL

Dr. Frank Deane
Dr. Dale M. Edgar
Lilly Promotes and Hires
Eli Lilly has promoted Frank Deane, Ph.D., to president, manufacturing, and Dale M. Edgar, Ph.D., has been hired as executive director and chief scientific leader of Lilly’s discovery sleep research program. Eli Lilly, Indianapolis, is developing a growing portfolio of first-in-class and best-in-class pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Before his promotion, Dr. Deane was VP, quality, at Lilly. He remains a member of the company’s operations committee and joins the corporate policy and strategy committee. Dr. Edgar brings more than 25 years experience in the field of sleep research to Lilly’s efforts to expand its reach in this disease state. Dr. Pierre F. Dodion Ariad Adds to Leadership Team Ariad Pharmaceuticals, which is engaged in the discovery and development of breakthrough medicines to treat cancer by regulating cell signaling with small molecules, has appointed Pierre F. Dodion, M.D., as senior VP, oncology. Dr. Dodion leads medical research, medical affairs, clinical operations, drug safety and pharmacovigilance, and biostatistics and outcomes research. He is establishing a medical affairs function to support U.S. marketing of oncology products. Before joining Ariad, Cambridge, Mass., Dr. Dodion was executive director, oncology, at Pfizer. Dr. Dodion received his M.D. from the Free University of Brussels, Belgium. Edward Gaj Jr. Dr. Katherine J. Turner Nucryst Pharmaceuticals Appoints Staff Nucryst Pharmaceuticals, Wakefield, Mass., has appointed Edward Gaj Jr. as VP, corporate development. Nucryst develops, manufactures, and commercializes medicines that fight infection and inflammation. Mr. Gaj is responsible for leading Nucryst’s corporate partnering initiatives, strategic planning, corporate communications, and patent portfolio management. Mr. Gaj has held a series of progressively senior positions at Anika Therapeutics, most recently, franchise director, aesthetics. Mr. Gaj earned a B.S. and M.S. at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and is a registered pharmacist. Katherine J. Turner, Ph.D., has been appointed VP, R&D. Dr. Turner is responsible for guiding the research and development of the company’s medical product pipeline. Before her promotion, Dr. Turner was VP, research. Dr. Dan Zabrowski Roche Appoints Global Head, Pharma Partnering Dan Zabrowski, Ph.D., has assumed the position of global head, Roche Pharma Partnering. Dr. Zabrowski oversees Roche’s network of strategic alliances with biotech companies and creates new alliances. He was previously global head, pharma development operations. Roche, Nutley, N.J., is a research-oriented healthcare group with core businesses in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. Biotech POOL Kurt Graves Amit Sachdev Vertex Makes Appointments Global biotechnology company Vertex has appointed two executives to the company’s management team Kurt Graves joins Vertex in Cambridge, Mass., as executive VP, chief commercial officer and head, strategic development. Mr. Graves is responsible for Vertex’s strategic development and commercial functions. Previously, he was at Novartis and served as the global head of the general medicines business unit and chief marketing officer. He earned his B.S. in biology from Hillsdale College. Amit Sachdev joins Vertex as senior VP, public policy and government affairs. Mr. Sachdev is responsible for establishing and managing Vertex’s government affairs office in Washington, D.C. He previously served as executive VP, health, for BIO. Mr. Sachdev received a B.S. in industrial management from Carnegie Mellon University and a J.D. from the Emory University School of Law. Dr. David Lacey Amgen Names Senior VP, Head of Research David Lacey, M.D., has been named senior VP, head of research, at Amgen, Thousand Oaks, Calif. Dr. Lacey manages the biotech company’s global research organization, encompassing the company’s oncology/hematology, inflammation, metabolic disorders, and neuroscience therapeutic areas. Previously, he was interim head of research. Dr. Lacey obtained a bachelor’s in biology and his medical degree from the University of Colorado, graduating with Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Omega Alpha honors. Biopharmaceutical POOL Dr. Thomas Barnes Gene Logic Promotes VP, Discovery Gene Logic, Gaithersburg, has promoted Thomas Barnes, Ph.D., to senior VP, discovery, to lead the company’s drug repositioning discovery efforts. Gene Logic is transforming into a biopharmaceutical development company through partnerships with pharmaceutical companies. Dr. Barnes was a cofounder of the drug repositioning venture within Millennium, and has run Gene Logic’s drug repositioning operations since the unit’s acquisition by the company. Dr. Barnes obtained his Ph.D. in genetics from the University of Cambridge, U.K. Daniel D. Burgess Mpex Names CEO Daniel D. Burgess has been named CEO by Mpex Pharmaceuticals, a San Diego-based biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of antibacterials for the treatment of life-threatening infections. Mr. Burgess joined Mpex from Hollis-Eden where he served as chief operating officer and chief financial officer. Mr. Burgess received his B.A. in economics from Stanford University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Paul Carter Gilead Announces Senior Management Promotion Gilead Sciences, Foster City, Calif., a biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, and commercializes innovative therapeutics in areas of unmet medical need, has promoted Paul Carter to senior VP, international commercial operations. Formerly, he led the company’s European commercial organization, which later also encompassed all commercial markets outside of North America. Mr. Carter holds a degree in business studies from Ealing School of Business and Management and is a fellow of the United Kingdom’s chartered institute of management accountants. Dr. Steven R. Deitcher Dr. Hana B. Moran Hana Biosciences Appoints Senior Staff Biopharmaceutical company Hana Biosciences, South San Francisco, Calif., has appointed Steven R. Deitcher, M.D., as executive VP and chief medical officer. Dr. Deitcher most recently served as VP, chief medical scientist, at Nuvelo where he was responsible for clinical development and medical affairs. Dr. Deitcher earned his B.S. and M.D. in the Honors Program in Medical Education at Northwestern University Medical School. Hana B. Moran, Ph.D., has been promoted to VP, regulatory affairs and quality assurance. Dr. Moran has been instrumental in Hana’s development since joining the company as a senior director, regulatory affairs and quality assurance. Dr. Moran earned an M.Sc. in chemical engineering from Slovak Technical University, Bratislava, Slovakia and a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovoth, Israel. Dr. Carol G. Gallagher Anadys Promotes Senior Manager Anadys, San Diego, a biopharmaceutical company committed to the discovery, development, and commercialization of novel medicines for the treatment of hepatitis and cancer, has promoted Carol G. Gallagher Pharm.D., to senior VP of corporate development and commercial affairs. Dr. Gallagher’s leadership and strategic thinking facilitates Anadys’ role in viral diseases and oncology. Previously, Dr. Gallagher was VP, corporate development and commercial affairs. Dr. Gallagher holds a doctor of pharmacy from the University of Kentucky. Dr. Laura Kragie Emisphere Appoints VP Emisphere Technologies has appointed Laura Kragie, M.D., as VP, clinical development and chief medical officer. Dr. Kragie was previously president and chief scientific officer of Kragie BioMedWorks, a strategic regulatory consulting group. Emisphere, Tarrytown, N.Y., is a biopharmaceutical company pioneering the oral delivery of otherwise injectable drugs. Dr. Kragie received her B.S. in biology, psychology, and biochemistry from the University of Illinois, and her M.D. from the University of Iowa. Dr. J. Scott Mohrland Erimos Names President and CEO J. Scott Mohrland, Ph.D., has been named president and CEO at Erimos Pharmaceuticals, Raleigh, N.C., a biopharmaceutical company focused primarily on the discovery, development, and commercialization of small molecule therapeutics to treat cancer. He has more than 26 years of experience in the global pharmaceutical industry. Before joining Erimos, Dr. Mohrland served as executive VP for GMP. Dr. Mohrland holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and received his Ph.D. in pharmacology from Washington State University. Dr. Shi Chung Ng CytRx Names Senior VP, R&D CytRx, Los Angeles, has named Shi Chung Ng, Ph.D., senior VP, R&D. Dr. Ng is based in CytRx’s San Diego-based R&D facility. Before joining CytRx, Dr. Ng was VP, molecular oncology, at Ligand, a drug discovery and development company. Dr. Ng received his Ph.D. in biochemistry from Purdue University. Howard H. Pien Medarex Selects Industry Veteran as President, CEO Biopharma company Medarex, Princeton, N.J., has appointed Howard H. Pien as president and CEO. Medarex focuses on the discovery, development, and potential commercialization of fully human antibody-based therapeutics to treat life-threatening and debilitating diseases, including cancer, inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. Mr. Pien’s 20 years of industry experience and knowledge of the biopharmaceutical industry encompasses general management, finance, commercial and manufacturing operations, deal-making, and partnerships. He was most recently president and CEO of Chiron until it was acquired by Novartis. Mr. Pien earned a B.S. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an MBA from Carnegie-Mellon University. Timothy P. Walbert IDM Names President and CEO Timothy P. Walbert, 40, has been named president and CEO of IDM Pharma, Irvine, Calif., which focuses on the development of innovative products that activate the immune system to treat cancer. Mr. Walbert joins IDM from NeoPharm, where he was executive VP, commercial operations. He earned a bachelor of arts in business from Muhlenberg College. Dr. John Yates Array BioPharma Appoints CMO John Yates, M.B., Ch.B., M.D., has been appointed chief medical officer at Array BioPharma, Boulder, Colo., which focuses on targeted small-molecule drugs to treat life-threatening and debilitating diseases. Dr. Yates has 17 years of pharmaceutical business experience at Merck and Takeda where he was involved in simultaneous development of more than 25 compounds. Dr. Yates received his M.B., Ch.B., and M.D. from Sheffield University Medical School, in Sheffield, U.K. Specialty POOL Susan C. Bacso William P. Zadinski EKR Expands Management Team EKR Therapeutics, a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on prescription products for cancer patients, has appointed Susan C. Bacso as VP, operations and supply. Before joining EKR, Cedar Knolls, N.J., Ms. Bacso was a senior operations executive for ESP Equity Partners. She received a B.S. in chemical engineering from Northeastern University and also holds a B.S. in physical geography, environmental science, from McGill University. The company also has appointed William P. Zadinski as national sales director. Before joining EKR, Mr. Zadinski served as regional manager for OSI Pharmaceuticals. Mr. Zadinski is a graduate of Yale University, where he received a B.A. in political science. Sherlene Bagley Marcus Girolamo J. R. Locey Healthpoint Promotes Healthpoint, Fort Worth, Texas, part of DFB Branded Pharmaceuticals, has promoted Sherlene Bagley to director of portfolio development. Ms. Bagley is responsible for developing product life cycle and strategic business plans to optimize the commercial potential of new and existing pharmaceuticals, biologics, and medical devices. She was most recently strategic product director for the portfolio development group. She graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington. Marcus Girolamo has been promoted to director of marketing. He was most recently associate director of brand marketing. He graduated from Texas Tech University with a BBA in marketing and received his MBA from the University of Houston. J. R. Locey has been promoted to VP, strategic and business development, for Healthpoint. Mr. Locey is responsible for consolidating Healthpoint’s business development activities and new product development efforts into an integrated technology strategy. Mr. Locey was most recently director of new business development for Healthpoint’s tissue management group. He is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University. Dr. Amale Hawi Penwest Names Senior VP, Pharmaceutical Development Amale Hawi, Ph.D., has joined specialty pharmaceutical company Penwest, Danbury, Conn., as senior VP, pharmaceutical development. Dr. Hawi is primarily responsible for Penwest’s preclinical and CMC drug development strategy, and manages the pharmaceutics and pharmacokinetics groups. Before joining Penwest, Dr. Hawi, 53, served as president of A. Hawi Consulting. She has a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of London, Queen Elizabeth College, and both an M.S. and a B.S. in chemistry from the American University of Beirut, Lebanon. Kurt Lewis Indevus Selects Industry Veteran Indevus Pharmaceuticals has appointed Kurt Lewis as senior VP, sales and marketing, drawing on his experience in growing and managing large sales and marketing organizations as it launches several new products. Indevus, Lexington, Mass., is engaged in the acquisition, development, and commercialization of products to treat conditions in urology and endocrinology. Most recently, Mr. Lewis was the senior VP, sales and marketing, for Astellas Pharma U.S. Stephen A. Ross Cytogen Appoints New Sales and Marketing Leadership Cytogen has appointed Stephen A. Ross as senior VP, sales and marketing. Cytogen, Princeton, N.J., is a specialty pharmaceutical company dedicated to advancing the treatment and care of patients by building, developing, and commercializing a portfolio of oncology products. Mr. Ross joins Cytogen from GlaxoSmithKline where he served as VP, specialist business units, GSK U.K., and was responsible for sales and marketing of GSK hospital and specialty product portfolios in the United Kingdom. Mr. Ross received an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a B.A. in economics, magna cum laude, from Brigham Young University. Peter F. Young Intranasal Appoints Pharmaceutical Industry Veteran Intranasal Therapeutics, Montvale, N.J., a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing nasally delivered, preservative-free drug products, has appointed Peter F. Young as president and CEO. Mr. Young, who has 25 years of experience in clinical and commercial drug development and management, was previously president and CEO of AlphaVax. Mr. Young graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Indiana University and holds an MBA from that institution. Discovery POOL Seth D. Goldblum BrainCells Names VP, Business Development BrainCells (BCI), San Diego, has appointed Seth D. Goldblum as VP, business development. BCI applies proprietary neurogenesis-based technology to identify and reposition compounds for the treatment of CNS diseases. Mr. Goldblum, 42, is responsible for evaluating in-licensing and collaboration opportunities for compounds that promote neurogenesis. Before joining BCI, Mr. Goldblum was head of business development for Senomyx. He received an MBA from The Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, a master’s in chemical engineering from The Ohio State University, and a bachelor’s in chemical engineering from the University of California, San Diego. Emerging POOL Dr. Gregory Berk SuperGen Names Chief Medical Officer SuperGen has added Gregory Berk, M.D., to its management team as chief medical officer. SuperGen, Dublin, Calif., is dedicated to the discovery, rapid development, and commercialization of therapies for solid tumors and hematological malignancies. Dr. Berk, 49, leads SuperGen’s international clinical development strategy, operations, and safety divisions to advance the company’s oncology drug portfolio toward commercialization. Dr. Berk was most recently senior VP and chief medical officer for Hana Biosciences. Dr. Berk holds a medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. Peter M. Strumph CEO of Nile Named Nile Therapeutics, Berkeley, Calif., a development stage biopharmaceutical company, has appointed Peter M. Strumph as CEO. Before joining Nile, Mr. Strumph served as the senior VP, operations, for CVT. He received his MBA in finance and healthcare management from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and his B.S. in systems science and engineering from The University of Pennsylvania. Agency POOL Andy Bond Irene Coyne Pete Dannenfelser Michael Harpish Vira Katolik Mark Leighton Josh Voluck Ari Wexler Cadient Makes Key New Hires Amid Growth Interactive marketing agency Cadient, West Conshohocken, Pa., has made several appointments. Andy Bond has been appointed senior director of strategy. Mr. Bond is responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction to Cadient clients. Formerly, he was the director of corporate strategy for Greater Than One and Greater Interactive. Mr. Bond leads Cadient Group’s recently established Manhattan office. He earned a MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan. Irene Coyne has joined Cadient as marketing strategist. Ms. Coyne determines and defines business requirements for individual projects and assists in the overall development of the interactive strategy. She was previously an account director with Avenue A | Razorfish in Philadelphia. The appointment of Peter Dannenfelser to VP, strategic innovation, expands the strategic innovation team to drive evolution of pharmaceutical interactive marketing. He was previously the director of new channel development at Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Mr. Dannenfelser earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Centenary College. As marketing strategist, Michael Harpish is focused on the overall development of interactive strategies. Previously, he was a management supervisor for Grey Worldwide. Vira Katolik has been appointed account director. Previously, she was an account manager for Refinery. Mark Leighton has been appointed account director. He was formerly director of strategic accounts for PointRoll. Josh Voluck has been hired as marketing strategist. Formerly, he was chief operating officer for American Business Systems. As account director, Ari Wexler is responsible for providing insight to drive marketing solutions. He was formerly an account director for Avenue-e Health Strategies. Michelle Brandriss Rafael Holguín Mark Thompson Palio Communications Adds Staff Full-spectrum advertising and communications agency Palio Communications, an inVentiv Health company, has made several appointments: Michelle Brandriss as account supervisor, Rafael Holguin as senior VP/director of design, and Mark Thompson as VP/senior brand planner. Ms. Brandriss’ expertise is in consumer brand development, product launches, client relations, and business growth. She was director of corporate accounts at World Media before joining Palio. Ms. Brandriss holds a bachelor’s from the University of the Pacific. Mr. Holguín has extensive design experience. Before joining Palio, he was VP/design director at Y Brand and GSW Worldwide in New York. He holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Parsons School of Design and an associate’s degree in applied science from Altos de Chavón/La Escuela de Diseño. Mr. Thompson has experience in research, account planning, and strategic positioning in healthcare and other industries. Before Palio, he served as a senior-level brand planner for a number of agencies. He holds a master’s from Manchester University and a bachelor’s degree from Bradford University. Matthew Comstock Avenue A | Razorfish Names Staff Interactive marketing and technology services agency Avenue A | Razorfish, Philadelphia, an operating unit of aQuantive, has named Matthew Comstock as VP of the customer insight group. Before joining Avenue A | Razorfish, Mr. Comstock was the director of information systems for GSI Commerce. Mr. Comstock has a bachelor’s degree from Concord University. Jennifer Fernandez Jennifer Louie Pacific Communications Adds Staff Pacific Communications has named Jennifer Fernandez as program manager II for the agency’s strategic communications division. Pacific Communications, Costa Mesa, Calif., is a full-service healthcare agency. Before joining Pacific Communications, Ms. Fernandez was an account director for The Scienomics Group. She holds a B.S. in business administration/marketing from Cal State University, Long Beach. Jennifer Louie has been appointed account group supervisor for the agency’s botox therapeutic account. Ms. Louie is responsible for leading professional promotions for U.S. marketing and projects for the global marketing, clinical development, new technologies, and reimbursement groups. Before joining Pacific Communications, Ms. Louie was an account director for GSW Worldwide. She holds a B.S. in biology from Boston College. Mark Goldstone President of DDB Worldwide’s Healthcare Network Named DDB Worldwide, New York, a division of the Omnicom Group, has appointed Mark Goldstone president of DDB Healthcare, DDB president, and CEO. Based in New York, Mr. Goldstone becomes the practice leader for DDB’s healthcare offerings around the world. He works with DDB Healthcare practices in key local and international markets, including Anderson DDB, Ciel et Terre, DDB Remedy, Syncronia, and Tribal DDB. Previously, Mr. Goldstone led the healthcare practices for Euro RSCG and Interbrand Wood, other Omnicom Group companies. Joshua Greenblatt Solara Hires to Expand West Coast Business Solara, Parsippany, N.J., a CommonHealth business unit created to provide strategic marketing services to improve patient access to pharmaceutical brands competing in managed markets, has hired Joshua Greenblatt as senior VP, enterprise lead. Mr. Greenblatt manages Solara’s West Coast-based biotechnology accounts. Most recently, Mr. Greenblatt was employed as a consultant at Health Strategies Group, a research and consulting firm where he specialized in reimbursement strategies and strategic consulting for biotechnology and pharmaceutical manufacturers. Geoff Morrow GSW Worldwide Names Global Integration Leader Healthcare advertising agency GSW Worldwide, an inVentiv Health company, has promoted Geoff Morrow to director of the global integration team. Mr. Morrow, based in GSW Worldwide’s head office in Columbus, Ohio, has worked as VP, global operations, since joining the agency in 2006. His responsibilities now include managing international operations and leading the seamless execution of strategy across all brands at GSW Worldwide. Before joining GSW Worldwide, Mr. Morrow was in a marketing leadership role both in Canada and internationally with Eli Lilly. Alan Schulman imc2 Hires Creative Director Alan Schulman has joined imc2 as executive creative director. imc2, Dallas, is an independent digital marketing agency. Before joining imc2, he was chief creative officer of Brand New World, an agency he cofounded. Mr. Schulman is based in New York and also serves on imc2’s senior leadership team. Dr. Claire C. Wang MedPoint Names Director, Scientific and Program Services MedPoint Communications, Evanston, Ill., a provider of communications and e-media services to the biopharmaceutical industry, has named Claire C. Wang, M.D., as director of scientific and program services. Before joining MedPoint, Dr. Wang served as a scientist for the AMA and director of editorial for AS&K Mercury Healthcare Communications. Dr. Wang holds dual bachelor of arts degrees from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, and received her M.D. from the Northwestern University School of Medicine. Mike Weiss /alert Marketing Promotes Mike Weiss has been promoted to VP, sales, at /alert Marketing, Santa Clara, Calif., a division of Jobson Publishing Group Companies. Mr. Weiss is responsible for leading and directing the sales team. Mr. Weiss has extensive experience in sales, sales training, sales management, market research, and marketing as well as working on the agency side of the business. CRO POOL Dr. Anthony F. Abruzzini John K. Hogan Dr. Linda Patricia Miller Clinsys Hires to Strengthen Service Offering and Global Therapeutic Strategy Therapeutically focused CRO Clinsys Clinical Research has appointed Anthony F. Abruzzini, Ph.D., as VP, global regulatory services, John K. Hogan as project director for CNS, and Linda Patricia Miller, M.D., as chief medical officer. Before joining Clinsys, Berkeley Heights, N.J., Dr. Abruzzini was senior VP, regulatory services, with INC Research. Dr. Abruzzini holds B.A. and MSE degrees from The John Hopkins University and a Ph.D. in immunology and medical microbiology from the University of Florida. Mr. Hogan joins Clinsys having recently been with Sepracor as clinical project manager, CNS. He holds a B.S. in biology from Rutgers University and a master’s in project management from Western Carolina University. Dr. Miller previously held the positions of director, clinical research, oncology with Eisai and associate director, clinical development, with Organon. She holds an M.D. and MMS degrees from Rutgers Medical School. Dr. John Andrews Chiltern Appoints Regulatory Affairs Director Global CRO Chiltern, Berkshire, U.K., has appointed John Andrews, Ph.D., as director, regulatory affairs, Americas. Dr. Andrews joins Chiltern with more than 20 years experience in the pharmaceutical industry, including executive-level positions in the pharma, biotech, and CRO sectors. Dr. Andrews is based in Chiltern’s Wilmington, N.C., office and is responsible for assisting clients with strategic and tactical decisions for the most advantageous approach to develop drugs, biopharmaceuticals, and devices. He is also responsible for expanding Chiltern’s regulatory affairs department into the North and South American continents. Dr. Andrews earned his M.S. in biochemistry from Purdue University and his Ph.D. in microbiology from the University of North Carolina. Dr. Joe Avellone Dr. Barbara Tardiff Parexel Appoints Biomedical and Information Sciences Expert Global bio/pharmaceutical services organization Parexel, Waltham, Mass., has appointed Joe Avellone, M.D., as VP of operations for clinical research services, Americas. Dr. Avellone leads operational aspects of Parexel’s Phase II-IV clinical development programs for clients. Before joining Parexel, Dr. Avellone was the CEO of Veritas Medicine. Dr. Avellone received his M.D. from the Harvard Medical School, a master’s in public administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, and a bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College. Barbara Tardiff, M.D., has been appointed as corporate VP of data sciences. Dr. Tardiff leads the expansion of Parexel’s data services, including data management, biostatistics, and related applications of information technology. Dr. Tardiff joins the organization from Merck, where she was executive director, research information services. Dr. Tardiff holds an M.D. from Yale University, an MBA from Duke University, Fuqua School of Business, an M.S., M. Phil. from Yale University, and a B.S. from Oregon State University. Dr. Roberto J. Bitton Dr. Lisa Jenkins Dr. Ed Richards Kendle Adds Key Appointments Kendle, Cincinnati, a global full-service CRO, has appointed Roberto J. Bitton, M.D., as project leader, Latin America. Dr. Bitton provides medical and therapeutic expertise to deliver Phase I-IV clinical development projects for the company’s biopharmaceutical customers, with an emphasis on oncology therapeutics. As a board-certified medical oncologist, Dr. Bitton brings to Kendle more than 20 years of academic, CRO, and pharmaceutical industry experience. Dr. Bitton earned his medical degree from the University of Buenos Aires, School of Medicine. Lisa Jenkins, Ph.D., has been appointed senior regulatory consultant. Dr. Jenkins is responsible for regulatory submission projects, including INDs and NDAs. She comes to Kendle from Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, where she served as senior manager, worldwide regulatory affairs. Dr. Jenkins earned her doctorate in experimental psychology from Syracuse University, New York. Kendle has appointed Ed Richards, Ph.D., as VP, global clinical development, Europe and Africa. Dr. Richards is responsible for providing strategic oversight and direction for Kendle’s Phase II-III operations in Western Europe and Africa. Dr. Richards earned both his bachelor of science in chemistry and his doctorate in physical chemistry from Imperial College, University of London. He is based in Kendle’s European headquarters in Berkshire, England. Dr. Nancy Munder Gray Southern Research Institute Names VP, Corporate Development Southern Research Institute has appointed Nancy Munder Gray, Ph.D., to VP, corporate development. Southern Research Institute, Birmingham, Ala., is a not-for-profit organization that conducts basic and applied research in the areas of preclinical drug discovery and drug development, advanced engineering, and environmental and energy production. Most recently, Dr. Gray was a business development consultant at Beijing Med-Pharm. She earned a bachelor of science in chemistry from Bucknell University and a doctoral degree in medicinal chemistry from the University of Illinois Medical Center. Dr. Todd Johnson Dr. James Pusey MDS Names Senior Staff for Corporate and Global Development MDS Pharma Services, King of Prussia, Pa., has named Todd Johnson, M.D., senior VP for strategy and corporate development. Dr. Johnson leads efforts to accelerate profitable growth through strategic partnerships and acquisitions. MDS Pharma Services is a business unit of MDS and offers a full spectrum of resources to meet the drug discovery and development needs of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Before joining MDS, Dr. Johnson led strategic consulting engagements at several major pharmaceutical and biotech firms for McKinsey. Educated at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Dr. Johnson holds an MBA from its Wharton School, an M.D. from its medical school, and a B.A. in neurobiology from its College of Arts and Sciences’ honors program. MDS has appointed Dr. James Pusey as VP and general manager of its global clinical development business, which manages late-stage clinical drug trials. He leads a business area that is focused on enhancing client service through its LeanSigma and other initiatives to improve process efficiency and support client needs. Before joining MDS, Dr. Pusey was president and CEO of OrthoLogic. Educated at London University, he holds bachelor of medicine and bachelor of surgery degrees from the Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, and an MBA from the London Business School. Darlene Vickers WCC Makes Quality Assurance Appointment WorldCare Clinical (WCC), Cambridge, Mass., an imaging CRO, has hired Darlene Vickers as director of quality assurance/regulatory affairs. Before joining WCC, Ms. Vickers was a senior regulatory operations associate at Bristol-Myers Squibb Medical Imaging. She holds an M.S. in regulatory affairs and health policy from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy.Dr. Cheri Walker Charles River Appoints Corporate Senior VP, Corporate Development Charles River Laboratories International, Wilmington, Mass., has appointed Cheri Walker, Ph.D., as corporate senior VP, corporate development. Charles River Laboratories partners with global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, government agencies, and leading academic institutions to advance the drug-discovery and development process. Dr. Walker is responsible for the company’s global corporate development function, directing all aspects of its merger, acquisition, and strategic joint-venture activities. Before joining Charles River, Dr. Walker was VP, mergers and acquisitions, for Qiagen Sciences. Dr. Walker holds a doctorate in human and molecular genetics from Baylor College of Medicine and a bachelor’s in biology from Swarthmore College. Medical-Education POOL Karen J. Abbas Megan Kennedy Robert E. Kristofco Sara Michaels Dr. Letitia O’Kicki-Rosen Meniscus Restructures, Expands, Appoints, and Promotes Karen J. Abbas has joined Meniscus Educational Institute (MEI), West Conshohocken, Pa., as education director, nursing. MEI provides education for healthcare practitioners, focusing on live, print, and Web-based interactive programs. Ms. Abbas previously served as an oncology clinical nurse specialist at Vassar Brothers Medical Center. She received her bachelor’s in biology form Calvin College, her master’s in biology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and her master’s degree in nursing from Pace University. Megan Kennedy has accepted the position of director, program management services. She is a graduate of Drexel University, with a bachelor’s in bioscience and biotechnology and a master’s in scientific and technology communications, as well as certification in project management by Penn State University. Robert E. Kristofco has joined MEI as its president. Previously, Mr. Kristofco served as associate professor and director of the Division of Continuing Medical Education, at the University of Alabama School of Medicine. Mr. Kristofco received a bachelor of science from St. Francis College in Loretto, and earned a master’s in social work from West Virginia University. Sara Michaels is the chief operating officer of MEI. She previously served as senior VP, account services and operations, at DVC Healthcare Communications. Ms. Michaels received a bachelor’s in international business from Clemson University and an MBA from Holy Family University. Letitia O’Kicki-Rosen, M.D., has joined MEI as medical director. Previously, she served as a physician with the City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health. Dr. O’Kicki-Rosen is a graduate of the Temple University School of Medicine Mary Anderson HLS Promotes HLS, Parsippany, N.J., the founding CommonHealth medical-education unit, has appointed Mary Anderson to general manager. Ms. Anderson continues to supervise the account management teams and serves on the HLS strategic planning team to maximize client offerings. Previously, she was executive VP, managing director. Dr. Bruce Bellande CME Enterprise Names President Bruce Bellande, Ph.D., has been named president of CME Enterprise, an ACCME-accredited provider of continuing medical education. Dr Bellande’s focus includes physician self-assessment, curriculum modules, and practice performance improvement designed around specialties and sub-specialties. Dr. Bellande earned his B.S., M.A., and Ph.D. in healthcare administration at the University of Mississippi. Dr. Niki Oquist CME Appoints Senior VP, Medical Affairs CME, Irvine, Calif., a division of CMPMedica and a provider of fully accredited continuing medical education programs, has appointed Niki Oquist, M.D., senior VP of medical affairs. Dr. Oquist is responsible for accreditation, managing content development for all educational offerings, and serving as a professional liaison between CME and advisory boards, medical directors, and other clinicians. Dr. Oquist is a board-certified pediatrician and before joining CME, he held various management positions with MedImmune. Vivian Pagoulatos ProCom Selects Professional Relations VP ProCom, a CommonHealth medical-education unit, has hired Vivian Pagoulatos as senior VP, professional relations, for the group. Ms. Pagoulatos is responsible for managing and developing a portfolio of accounts and serves as an integral member of the senior leadership team. Most recently, she was employed at Saatchi & Saatchi Healthcare. Ms. Pagoulatos has an R.Ph. from Rutgers and an MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson. Rachel Pilotti Curry Rockefeller Group adds Senior Program Manager The Curry Rockefeller Group (CRG), Tarrytown, N.Y., a thought-leader-focused medical education company, has appointed Rachel Pilotti as senior program manager. Ms. Pilotti was most recently with Medical Education Consultants. She is a graduate of the Johns Hopkins University, where she earned her bachelor of arts in history. Philip Sjostedt Axis Welcomes New VP of Strategic Direction Axis Healthcare Communications has appointed Philip Sjostedt as VP, strategic direction. Axis, Yardley, Pa., provides a full spectrum of healthcare communications services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical-device industries. He was previously senior VP, strategic medical marketing with Oxford PharmaGenesis. Service POOL Harry J. Alba Jr. Dorland Healthcare Promotes Dorland Healthcare Information, an integrated healthcare media company, has promoted Harry J. Alba Jr. to executive VP, sales and marketing. Mr. Alba, 48, was previously executive VP, publishing sales. Vaughn Anthony LaTheena Thomas D. Anderson Hires and Promotes D. Anderson & Company (DAC), a subsidiary of D. L. Anderson International, has named Vaughn Anthony as VP, communications, and LaTheena Thomas as director of training and quality assurance. DAC, Dallas, is a provider of patient recruitment and retention services for the clinical-trials industry. Mr. Anthony most recently served as senior director of creative services. He received his B.S. in broadcasting from the University of Nebraska. Ms. Thomas’ responsibilities at DAC include oversight of the team training programs, quality assurance systems, and management of clinical-trial project teams. Margaret Blackwell Larry Green Dean Hopkins Shelley Spencer Matt Weed Publicis Hires and Promotes Publicis Selling Solutions, Lawrenceville, N.J., a Publicis Selling Solutions Group and Publicis Healthcare Communications Group company, has announced several new hires and promotions. Margaret Blackwell has been hired as field recruiter, Publicis Selling Solutions. She has experience in specialty recruiting for health educators, nurses, pharma sales, and sales management. Larry Green has been promoted to the position of president, Publicis Managed Markets, Account Management Group. Dean Hopkins has joined the company as senior VP, sales and client support. Mr. Hopkins is responsible for managing sales, training, analytics, incentive compensation, and client services. Before joining Publicis, he was senior director, U.S. commercial business unit at Biovail Pharmaceuticals. Shelley Spencer has been promoted to the position of president/chief operating officer of Arista Marketing Associates, a Publicis company. Before her promotion, Ms. Spencer served as president/chief operating officer of the Publicis Selling Solutions Group training company, Total Learning Concepts. Matt Weed has rejoined Publicis Selling Solutions as director, IT. Most recently, he served as associate director of IT applications for Novartis. Nancy Connelly PDI Promotes PDI, Saddle River, N.J., a provider of commercialization services to the biopharmaceutical industry, has promoted Nancy Connelly to senior VP, sales support services. She also serves on the executive committee. Michelle Leibow McKesson Specialty Adds to Staff Michelle Leibow has joined McKesson Specialty’s marketing team as director. McKesson Specialty, Scottsdale, Ariz., a business unit of McKesson, delivers the services that manufacturers, payers, and providers need to ensure pharmaceutical products, coordinated reimbursement, and clinical services are available to patients with complex diseases. Most recently, Ms. Leibow was the director of strategic marketing at MedMark. Ms. Leibow earned a bachelor’s in communications from Duquesne University. Mark Spiers Wolters Kluwer Appoints President and CEO Wolters Kluwer Health, Conshohocken, Pa., has appointed Mark Spiers president and CEO of its healthcare analytics business unit based in Phoenix and Yardley, Pa. Wolters Kluwer Health is a provider of information for professionals and students in medicine, nursing, allied health, pharmacy, and the pharmaceutical industry. Mr. Spiers has more than 25 years of pharmaceutical experience. He is a graduate of Austin College. Technology POOL Dr. John Aitken Octagon Appoints West Coast Director Octagon Research Solutions, Wayne, Pa., a process-centric solutions provider, has appointed John Aitken, Ph.D., as managing director, West Coast operations. Dr. Aitken is responsible for providing regulatory support and developing opportunities. Before joining Octagon, Dr. Aitken was senior director, regulatory operations, at Elan. Dr. Fredric Cohen Pharmaceutical Consultant Joins Fast Track Fast Track Systems, Conshohocken, Pa., a developer of tools for clinical-trial design collaboration and communication, has named Fredric Cohen, M.D., as VP, clinical strategies. Dr. Cohen is a research-trained physician and a pharmaceutical industry veteran. He has served as president, Pharma Growth Strategies, a specialized management consultant to the life-sciences industries, and will continue to lead PGS while at Fast Track Systems. Chip Jennings Healthcare Industry Veteran Leads etrials Worldwide Chip Jennings has been named president and CEO at etrials Worldwide, Morrisville, N.C., a provider of e-clinical software and services that optimize clinical-trial management and accelerate time-to-market. Previously, Mr. Jennings served as senior corporate VP, at SHPS. He has a B.A. and an MBA from Michigan State University. Michael Smyth ClinPhone Trial Management Solutions Makes Key Appointment Clinical technology solutions company ClinPhone, Princeton, N.J., has named Michael Smyth as VP, product management, in its trial management solutions group. Before joining ClinPhone, Mr. Smyth was head of global strategic accounts at VivoMetrics. Wade Wirta Perceptive Informatics Names VP of IVRS Perceptive Informatics, Waltham, Mass., the technology subsidiary of Parexel International, has appointed Wade Wirta as VP of its worldwide clinical interactive voice response systems (IVRS) operations. Before he joined Parexel, Mr. Wirta spent more than 13 years with Pfizer where, most recently, he was responsible for driving the IT strategy for supply chain products and services across the clinical drug development phases. Mr. Wirta holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Maine. Send your personnel announcements to [email protected].

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